Occupational Therapist Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA: $125,497 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Rancho Cordova, CA earns a median $125,497/year (≈ $60.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Rancho Cordova's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,961 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Rancho Cordova, California are projected to earn a median annual salary of $125,497, reflecting a considerable premium over the national median of $103,400. The local salary range spans from $85,473 at the 10th percentile to $168,533 at the 90th percentile, indicating strong earning potential for therapists in the area. This compensation level, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, highlights the beneficial impact of obtaining specialized credentials, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification. Such designation can significantly enhance earnings and levels of job satisfaction, as specialized skills are often compensated with higher pay rates. As occupational therapy continues to evolve, job opportunities in Rancho Cordova remain robust, inviting dedicated professionals to contribute to this growing field.
About the Rancho Cordova Market
Salary estimated from California average ($111,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,473 | $41.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,646 | $51.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,497 | $60.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,183 | $69.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,533 | $81.03 |
Median Salary Position
21.37% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cordova
In Rancho Cordova, CA, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,060 (2026 est.). At $125,497, the local median is 21.37% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cordova: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cordova Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Rancho Cordova median: $125,497/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cordova Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $126,509 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +21.37% more |
Occupational Therapists in Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $125,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.37% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% below the California state average of $126,509.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cordova has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cordova, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,497 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,961 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$103,104
2025 BLS Actual
$121,771
2026 Current Est.
$125,497
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,104 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,718 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,093 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,965 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,509 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,497 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,337 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $103,104 (2019) to $121,771 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,337 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,233 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $85,473 – $106,646 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,646 – $125,497 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,497 – $144,183 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,183 – $168,533 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Rancho Cordova
The local job market for occupational therapists in Rancho Cordova is bolstered by the presence of about 20 employed therapists. However, the cost of living index in the area is 113.1, slightly above the national average, which impacts the effective purchasing power of salaries. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings tend to offer competitive salaries, while school district contracts may present less lucrative options. The range in salary can often be attributed to various factors, including workplace setting, productivity expectations, and the impact of special certifications. For therapists seeking to maximize their earnings in Rancho Cordova, pursuing additional certifications, such as the CHT, and focusing on high-demand employment sectors are recommended. Being mindful of the seasonal nature of school contracts—often lower-paying than year-round options—can also aid in strategic career planning.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Rancho Cordova, CA in 2026?
Is Rancho Cordova, CA a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Rancho Cordova?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Rancho Cordova?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Rancho Cordova?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $121,771 for occupational therapistsin the Rancho Cordova metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rancho Cordova is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov